Types of Accidents That Happen in Parking Lots

Parking lots are more hazardous than many people realize, with unique challenges that often lead to unexpected accidents. Due to confined spaces, heavy foot traffic, and limited visibility, parking lots are hotspots for collisions and injuries. Many drivers and pedestrians underestimate the risks involved, which can result in serious consequences.

Understanding the most common types of parking lot accidents and how to prevent them can help reduce your risk. If you’ve been injured in a parking lot accident, our Alabama car accident lawyers can help you seek compensation.

Common Types of Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lot incidents can range from minor fender-benders to collisions causing serious injuries or deaths. Below are some of the most frequent types of parking lot accidents:

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in parking lots. Drivers may not always notice people walking between parked cars or crossing lanes, leading to accidents. Common causes of pedestrian accidents in parking lots include distracted driving, speeding, backover accidents, and failing to yield.

The National Safety Council reported that 13,033 pedestrians suffered nonfatal injuries while another 454 lost their lives in parking lot incidents in 2021.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in parking lots. Whether they involve another vehicle or a pedestrian, they happen when the at-fault driver leaves the scene without providing contact information or assistance.

Not only is this illegal in Alabama, it also leaves victims to cope with their injuries on their own.

Parking Lot Intersection Accidents

Parking lot intersections, where several lanes converge, can confuse drivers, leading to misjudgments about the right of way. Accidents often occur when drivers fail to stop at designated points, make sudden or sharp turns without signaling, or fail to yield to oncoming vehicles or pedestrians.

Intersection collisions in parking lots can also happen due to faded or improper signage and faded road markings. These accidents can result in fender benders or more severe crashes, particularly in busy lots with obstructed visibility or heavy traffic.

Navigating Liability in Parking Lot Accidents

Liability in parking lot accidents depends on the type of incident and the actions of those involved. For example, if a driver fails to stop at a marked intersection and hits another car, the driver is likely at fault.

Pedestrian accidents may involve shared liability. While drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and watching for pedestrians, pedestrians must also exercise caution. Liability can depend on the actions of both parties, such as whether the pedestrian was using a crosswalk or the driver failed to yield.

Preventing Common Parking Lot Incidents

Preventing parking lot accidents requires situational awareness and proactive safety measures. Here are some practical steps that can help minimize the risk of accidents:

For Drivers: Always drive slowly in parking lots, be aware of pedestrians, and avoid distractions such as using a phone. Be especially cautious when reversing, as visibility is often limited.

For Pedestrians: Use marked walkways and crosswalks, avoid walking between moving vehicles, and stay vigilant for cars that may not notice you. Avoid walking in parking lots late at night or in dimly lit areas.

For Property Owners: Maintain the parking lot by putting up proper signage and repainting faded pavement markings. Install sufficient lighting, surveillance cameras, and speed bumps to help prevent accidents.

Contact Our Alabama Car Accident Lawyers for Help

If you’ve been involved in a parking lot incident as a pedestrian or a driver, don’t wait to get the help you need. Our team at The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help you determine liability and pursue the responsible party for compensation.